Saint martyr John-Vladimir, King of Serbia, belonged to a pious royal lineage and ruled Serbia in the second half of the 10th century. He was distinguished by his meekness, humility, and piety, was an outstanding military leader, and cared for the poor. Due to his qualities, he converted many heretics to Orthodoxy and established hospitals and monasteries.
During his reign, he had to fight against external enemies, such as the Bulgarian King Samuel. Once, avoiding battle, he found himself besieged, and his people suffered from snake bites. Saint John prayed to God for help, and soon his enemies could not harm him. However, a traitor among his people led to his capture.
In prison, the saint continued to pray, and an Angel of God was sent to him, predicting his release and martyr's crown. The daughter of King Samuel, Kosara, fell in love with him and persuaded her father to release him. Saint John returned to the throne but offered his wife to live in chastity.
After the death of King Samuel, Vladislav ascended to the throne, who plotted to kill the saint. When the saint came to him, Vladislav, filled with rage, killed him. Saint John, accepting martyrdom on May 22, 1015, surrendered his spirit into the hands of the Lord.
After burial, a wondrous light was seen over his grave, which frightened King Vladislav. His body was handed over to his wife Theodora, who buried him in the church. King Vladislav perished during the siege of the Serbian city of Drach in early 1018.
The holy relics of King John-Vladimir were transferred to the city of Drach and then to the monastery of Saint John in Albania, where many miracles occurred. The memory of the saint was honored by Serbs, Albanians, and Greeks, and services and a life were written for him. In 1925, a church was erected for Saint John-Vladimir in the monastery on Lake Ohrid.
